The three hot air balloons' performance was tested within three days.
The pirate army's training was almost complete.
While morning long-distance runs continued, increasing in distance and weight, afternoons were spent building a military camp—previously assigned to local craftsmen.
The craftsmen only started the work; Alistair's camp wasn't a classical fortress; they didn't even realize they were building a military camp, thinking it was just a dwelling.
Even the pirates didn't believe they were building a camp—no high towers or cannons, just digging… endless digging…
They dug deep trenches, five meters deep and wide enough for William to walk through.
These trenches destroyed farmland and risked piercing the island.
But Alistair wasn't worried; half of Jaya was on Skypiea; its continued existence likely depended on the giant vine.
Jaya's thickness was astonishing.
Five-meter trenches wouldn't damage it.
These were trenches for trench warfare.
This is why Alistair wasn't afraid of the Marines learning his tactics.
Even if they learned his volley fire, in trenches, volley fire would be suicidal.
A great man once said to act according to circumstances and be pragmatic.
Previously, Alistair lacked technology, manpower, and combat power, resorting to volley fire. This caught the Marines off guard.
With more manpower, he changed his tactics. He was prepared for a Buster Call; besides concrete fortifications, trenches were best against cannons—exploding shells' shrapnel was dangerous, but shrapnel landing in trenches would be blocked by the walls.
Being near the center of an explosion was bad luck, but the 20-30 meter kill radius would be reduced to two or three meters.
Shells landing on the trench were even less dangerous; shrapnel spreads upwards, leaving the lower area safe.
Delayed-fuse shells, exploding above the trenches, were a different matter.
This would force changes in warfare.
Before delayed-fuse shells, humans developed countermeasures—tanks.
Against mid-air explosions, tank armor blocked shrapnel; delayed-fuse shells were mainly used for grenades.
(Except for 300mm naval guns.)
If the Marines attacked Mock Town, Alistair was prepared to decimate them.
These trenches were only the first line of defense.
The pirate army still lived outside Mock Town.
This wasn't ideal; proximity to entertainment and consumption would distract them. This is why modern military camps are closed off.
Alistair couldn't control this immediately; he'd address it later. For now, establishing a foundation was the priority.
Five days were enough to produce sufficient hot air balloons.
The final test showed that canvas balloons performed better than steel ones.
They carried more people, heated faster, and flew better.
Thirty balloons, three hundred parachutes.
This was the result of spending 400 million Berries on Mock Town's supplies.
Paragliders were too expensive; flying suits were for experts, irrelevant now.
Parachutes, however, were cost-effective and efficient.
Three hundred parachutes determined who would go to Skypiea.
Sandersonia and Marigold were too large and heavy. (Though their size was considered during balloon construction), keeping them on the ground was more efficient.
Dalton and Ran were in charge; Alistair chose Dalton—her cannons might be effective.
From the Spade Pirates, only Ace, Mihar, and Masked Deuce.
Robin, Van Augur, and Lafitte were essential for confidence and belonging.
Adding Alistair and Hancock, that made nine.
Of the remaining 290, Alistair chose the less resolute pirates—those committed to him.
The revolutionary squad leaders could then provide support and "education."
Alistair felt exhausted but announced a rest day on the ninth day. He relaxed in Hancock's arms, sighing contentedly.
Hancock gently smoothed his brow.
She'd repeatedly urged him to slow down.
But he wouldn't listen.
He smiled, saying, "A thousand years is too long; seize the day."
Hancock could only accept this.
She lacked his intellect.
Some were strong but lacked intelligence. Hancock acted childishly, but she could afford to.
Alistair washed his face, relaxing completely.
Everything was ready.
Just waiting for tomorrow!
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